Free To Be stages super fundraiser at Pizza Ranch

Published August 23, 2014 at 2:00 pm

Family and friends by the hundreds stopped by Pizza Ranch in Andover Aug. 11 for a meal and for a chance to help support Free To Be Inc.

During the 5-8 p.m. fundraiser, costumed and caped crusaders dressed as superheroes greeted diners, bused tables and shared a superhero secret or two along the way. The Lone Ranger (Colton Corthell, an incoming senior at Anoka High School) greets his parents, Sue and Drew Corthell, as he waits and buses tables during the Aug. 11 Free To Be fundraiser at Pizza Ranch in Andover. Photo by Sue Austreng

Those “superheroes” actually live and work in the community and volunteered to play a part in the Free To Be fundraiser.

“We just thought this would be a fun way to get more attention, get more people out here for the fundraiser,” said Free To Be Executive Director Jim Huff.

Hundreds came out to support the cause while the restaurant donated a percentage of the evening’s sales and tips to Free To Be. In addition, Financial One Credit Union made a 3-1 match for every dollar donated at the event, with a maximum donation of $2,500.

All told, $4,122.76 was raised during the fundraiser.

Free To Be is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists individuals in Anoka County who are challenged with transportation issues. The mission of Free To Be is “fostering independence by providing car care.” The organization receives donated vehicles and repairs and updates them before distributing them to families or individuals in need.